Theyyam or Theyyaattam is a pattern of hero worship performed in Kolathunaad, a territory comprising the present Cannanore District and Badagara Taluk of Kerala State (North Kerala). It is a ritual and a folk-dance form supported by a vast literature of folk songs. Theyyam is a corruption for Deyvam - ‘God’. 'Aattam' means dance. Thus 'Theyyaattam' means the God’s Dance.
This is the Muthappan veLLaattam from Ancharakkandi, Kannur in Kerala, India - a ritual before the main theyyam.